Holyoke Blasts Bombers 34-7

Let the record state that there are no breathers in the AA Conference.

That statement from Holyoke coach Bob Lastowski was certified by his team’s 34-7 victory over Westfield at Billy Bullens Field. The victory was the first of the in-conference variety for the Purple Knights this season.

“Honestly, we got tired of hearing about the 'Pain Train',” Lastowski said about his team’s approach against Westfield’s vaunted offensive line. “We did our part to shut them down.”

Westfield’s all-around game got derailed early as a hungry and opportunistic Purple Knight defense made their mark early by gobbling up an errant Westfield fumble on the second play from scrimmage. This defensive stop gave Holyoke spectacular field position on the Westfield 38.

Holyoke’s ensuing drive was of the one and done variety as Holyoke quarterback Jarrod Allen connected with wideout Adam Dunne on a 38-yard strike down the visiting sideline. The Purple Knights’ passing game was able to stretch the field against a Westfield defense that looked to be treading water against plays through the air.

The Purple Knights struck again on their second drive. Anthony Rodriguez scampered in for a two-yard score to cap a drive that spanned 58 yards. The drive was keyed by a pair of passes by Allen to set up the run.

The Westfield Pain Train returned to the tracks for one big one-way trip to the end-zone by springing some key blocks on Garrett Baker’s 65-yard score on Westfield’s third play from scrimmage in the first quarter. Westfield also had an interception from Conner Laraway in the second quarter, and Bomber linebacker Bobby Paul had a standout defensive game registering a sack and a slew of tackles.

Dunne found the end zone again on a three-yard run to put Holyoke up 28-7 midway through the third quarter. Jonathan Westbrooks added another score by way of the run at the end of the third to put last night’s game on ice for the Purple Knights.

Holyoke’s defense also turned out a stunning effort headed by junior safety Will Sanchez who snagged a second-quarter interception. The Purple Knight defense stifled Westfield’s bread-and-butter of a running game stopping Westfield with great frequency.

Both squads will dive back into AA Conference play as Holyoke will host Agawam and Westfield will look to get back on track as the travel to Central.